Nissan GT-R - Review

The sheer scale of the GT-R gives it huge road presence. Even cars costing three times as much will struggle to match the outrageous styling of Nissan’s angular coupe. It’s not pretty, but with four dustbin-lid sized exhaust pipes, matching taillights and huge alloy wheels it looks like a high performance car should. Its evocative badge doesn’t hold the universal appeal of an Italian thoroughbred but to its core audience there’s nothing to rival the appeal of the GT-R logo.

Interior/Practicality

Given the performance available, the big Nissan is pretty practical. Adults won’t find the rear seats very comfortable, but they’re fine for children and extra luggage. There’s even a decent 315-litre boot. Technology lovers will cherish the multi-function display at the centre of the dashboard because it provides information on everything from cornering g-forces to turbo boost pressure! However, the switchgear and cabin plastics are better suited to a supermini than a supercar and the bluff dashboard looks basic. It comes with loads of standard kit but simply lacks the sense of occasion you expect from a 193mph coupe.

Engine/Performance

The GT-R is a genuine technological tour de force. Its 2.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine delivers 473bhp and it blasts from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. Acceleration is brutal thanks to the GT-R’s excellent four-wheel drive transmission and six-speed twin clutch gearbox. The paddleshift set-up provides seamless power delivery and super-smooth gearchanges – it can even be used as a full auto. The advanced Electronic Stability Control system can be configured to suit road and track driving but turning it off completely removes the safety net provided by its incredibly flattering electronics.


Driving experience

On British roads the GT-R feels wide but once you get used to its huge dimensions and firm ride comfort the Nissan is an astonishingly capable road car, with massive reserves of grip in all conditions. The paddle-shift gearbox couldn’t be simpler to operate and with the power directed to the rear wheels most of the time, steering feel is incredible. The big coupe changes direction with razor-sharp reactions and switches on the centre console allow you to tweak the gearbox, ESP and damper settings. Hit the track and the turbine-like power delivery provides dizzying thrust at any speed while the superb brakes serve-up impressive stopping power.

Ownership Costs

On the face of it the GT-R isn’t cheap, but look at the performance available and it’s actually a bit of a bargain. Future costs will be in the supercar category thanks to expensive tyres, sky-high fuel consumption and pricey insurance. But then, you don’t expect family car bills when you buy one of these cars do you?

Safety/Environment

Final CO2 emissions are yet to be confirmed but it’s fair to say the Nissan’s green credentials are poor thanks to its terrible fuel economy. A host of electronic driver aids are designed to keep you on the straight and narrow, and you get six airbags. The GT-R hasn’t been through the Euro NCAP crash test programme, but with such a super stiff chassis the big coupe should be a strong performer if it does all go wrong.